A number of large-scale projects have been launched in the Turkestan region to increase transit potential. In particular, work is underway to expand the 64.1-kilometer Turkestan-Shauildir road. This year, 52.7 kilometers of this road will be put into operation. The project is planned to be fully completed in 2026. In addition, the construction of a bypass road from Kentau city directly to Zhambyl region and Suzak district, as well as Turkestan International Airport and Shymkent city has been completed and put into operation.
Other projects are planned to develop the road construction industry in the region. For example, work is currently underway to identify a contractor for the construction of a 102-kilometer bypass road in Saryagash city between 2025 and 2027. In addition, in 2026-2028, the construction of a 30-kilometer eastern bypass in the city of Turkestan and a 48-kilometer Shymkent bypass will begin.
The Turkestan region has become a golden bridge between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Today, the modernization of the "Kaplanbek" and "Kazygurt" customs posts between the two states is nearing completion. Accordingly, a project is being developed to expand the access roads to the customs posts. These projects will develop transport infrastructure and positively affect the increase in transit potential.
Another construction project of particular importance in the region is the project to build a new railway line "Darbaza-Maktaaral". The project, which President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave specific instructions in his Address to the Nation on September 1, 2023, entitled “Economic Orientation of a Fair Kazakhstan”, will reduce the load on the Saryagash checkpoint, connect the Saryagash, Keles, Zhetysai, Maktaaral and Shardara districts, and give a new impetus to the development of the districts. If this project is implemented, the economy of the southern districts will improve and their transit potential will increase. Currently, the design and estimate documentation is being developed by the general contractor “Integra Construction KZ” LLP, commissioned by “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” JSC.
The Turkestan International Airport has a special contribution to increasing the transit potential of the region. Today, the airport serves 3 international and 5 domestic routes. Flights are operated by “Turkish Airlines”, “Jazeera Airways”, “Wizz Air”, “Abu Dhabi”, “Fly Arystan”, “Qazaq Air”. The airport serves 23 flights a week. Air freight transportation in the region has also increased significantly. For example, in 2023 this figure was 57 tons, while in 2024 it was 553.4 tons.
Regional Communications Service of Turkestan Region

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ontustik/press/news/details/925175